Advanced classes are exactly what the name implies. The lesson time is used to practice techniques under pressure, and against a not always cooperative opponent. The level of intensity is set between the advanced students independently. Please note that this is a grade dependent class (see our gradings tab in the drop down menu), and set at the rank of Free Scholar unless practiced as a closely supervised private class.
These classes rely on the principles of the Foundational classes being developed to a degree that will allow more complex movements to be attempted safely. Often the Advanced classes develop out of Private classes, where small groups begin training with weapon combinations or polearms that fall outside of the Foundational syllabus, depending on the students chosen path or paths of specialisation.
The sword in one hand will now include further combinations, consisting of sword and dagger, case of swords (two swords, one in each hand), sword and large buckler (as wide as the shoulders), small and large targa (a square fist shield), rotella/target shield (a round shield, the diameter of the arm), imbracciatura/pavise (a large tower shield, covering from the chin to below the knee).
Polearms will become shorter, and the actions faster and closer. Armour starts to become a considered variable in combat, as we train with the short staff (a staff roughly as long as the user is tall), pollaxe (a double headed axe/hammer/pick with a sharp buttspike, roughly as tall as the user), glaive (similar to the partisan, but shorter and with a sharp buttspike or heavy cap)
The sword in two hands is too complex to be learned only in foundational classes, and continues in advanced classes. It is to be noted that the shorter polearms now being practiced are the same length as the greatsword.
Training with sharp blades and cutting practice will also begin to be introduced.
During tournament preparation, or in the run up to a demonstration event, this time will be utilised to focus on the participants’ requirements. The sparring may be of a high intensity level during this period.